Book Review: Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard, a Romantic Suspense Novel

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You can view my affiliate disclaimer here.

Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard, Missing in Alaska Book 1. Book review clean christian fiction romantic suspense book review Turquoise Avenue

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

"Elizabeth Goddard has created a novel that immerses the reader in small-town Alaska. From the first page, it's a race to stay alive and solve a number of ever-spiraling mysteries. I highly recommend this novel."-Cara Putman, award-winning author of Flight Risk and Lethal Intent

Buy on Amazon

MY REVIEW: ★★★★/5

Author Elizabeth Goddard captivated me with her brand new release, Cold Light of Day, the first book in her brand new Missing in Alaska series. This multi-layered suspense novel kept me turning the pages late into the night, rich in intrigue, danger and harrowing discoveries.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Small Alaskan Community · Law Enforcement Heroine · Hidden Identity · Murder, Conspiracy and Mystery · Shipwreck Dive · Faith and Family

What I liked:

Everything!

As a long time reader of Goddard’s suspense novels, I found this newest release to be exciting and slightly different than Goddard’s previous series. While still featuring a strong female lead and a heroic male counterpart, Goddard kept me (and readers alike) in the dark about several aspects of this novel that later became big revelations. These revelations added to the mystery and intrigue, making this story all the more enticing.

The Alaskan rainforest setting to this story proved to be a wonderful choice as it alluded to the small-town, hidden-away vibe that Goddard created expertly created for this novel. I could easily see the town of Shadow Gap being a place of low crime, where everyone knew each other, located off the beaten path and offering a place of refuge for people like Grier Brenner. The late summer time frame was also different and unique as it was not the typical snow covered tundra you imagine when you think of Alaska, but rather the wet, rain-filled pot holes of muddy roads in a lush, thick forest.

Main character and local Police Chief, Autumn Long, was a strong lead and a definite force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed her strength and passion for her job and her townspeople. Her backstory was painful and somewhat broken, but she rose to overcome and served her town well. I loved the challenges she met head on and admired her determination and the glimpses of her vulnerability. Grier Brenner proved to be non-typical hero for this story and that was something I enjoyed immensely. While at times, it drove me crazy that I didn’t know more about his background, I smiled, knowing that Goddard had me hooked on that alone and I devoured the pages waiting to learn more about him. The romance and tension between these two characters was a slow-burn as their attraction was deeply felt.

The suspense in this novel ebbed and flowed at a great pace. As the plot unfolded, twisting and turning in surprising ways, the mystery deepened and became more complex which ultimately kept me guessing. There were also some tender faith-based elements showcasing the characters belief in God and desire to follow in His will while seeking Him for protection and deliverance.

The riveting ending stole my breath away as Goddard’s elaborate plot came to a harrowing, yet satisfying, conclusion. I also loved how the small community rallied together in its support, lending a heartwarming touch to the conclusion as well.